Two Russian divers were killed in a horror shark attack in the Philippines.

The pair of tourists, Ilia Peregudin, 29, and Maksim Melekhov, 39, plunged into a popular diving spot off the idyllic Verde Island, known for its rich marine life and vivid corals, in Batangas province, on February 27.

They swam near the sea floor and marvelled at the schools of fish darting around among the reefs. However, they were said to have been swept away by powerful undercurrents toward a shiver of hungry sharks as they were re-surfacing.

Shocking underwater footage shows nearby divers moments before the bloodcurdling rampage. One of the divers was then seen floating face-down while drifting in choppy waters. Crew on a nearby boat were heard calling for first aid.

The Philippine Coast Guard arrived at the scene after receiving an emergency call at around 1 pm.

They rescued Ilia who was found unconscious at sea, and rushed him to the Saint Patrick Hospital in Batangas City. However, he was declared dead on arrival.

Maksim was found several hours later, with an arm missing from the suspected shark attack.

Captain Airland Lapitan, commander of the provincial Coast Guard Station, said the pair were with two other Russian divers who had visited the island.

He said: 'There was a strong current, and the group were separated. Two of them who were with the master diver were able to return to their boat, but the other two failed to resurface.

'We had a difficult time recovering one of the divers because there were sharks circling around the body. We believe the individual was attacked by sharks because their right hand was missing.'

He added local officials will discuss prevention measures with the coast guard to avoid such incidents.

Diego Reyes, a local who dived with the Russian tourists, said: 'Everything was very overwhelming and traumatising. We personally experienced that there were strong currents left and right and also strong waves at the surface.

'It was really challenging to get back with the group once you got separated. I hope authorities would be able to figure out what really happened to them. Thank you Lord for keeping our group safe. Rest in peace to the Russian divers.'

The deceased were taken to separate hospitals in Oriental Mindoro and Batangas provinces.

Authorities said an investigation was underway.

Verde Island in the Philippines is known for its rich marine biodiversity and is part of the Verde Island Passage, said to be the 'centre of the centre of marine biodiversity' in the world.

The island is a popular destination for divers and nature lovers, with its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life.